The U.S. Department of Education's program to help parents pay for their children's college education has grown substantially over the past decade.AP

As college tuition grew by leaps and bounds over the past decade, so did the number of parents who took out loans to help finance their children’s education – an event that has left some families drowning in debt.

The federal loan program for parents, known as Parent Plus, has grown at colleges both here in West Michigan and throughout the nation.

But some media reports have criticized the program for not placing borrowers under enough scrutiny before providing loans, possibly resulting in some families getting loans but not having the means to repay them.

If you live in West Michigan and have taken out Parent Plus loans to help finance your child’s college education, MLive reporter Brian McVicar would like to speak with you about your experience. You can reach him at bmcvicar@mlive.com or by calling (616) 204-7158.